Killarney travelled to Douglas on Saturday the 21st January, for this the third round Bowl competition league game, missing three first choice locks, and still raw from last weeks defeat to Dolphin. With just one novice replacement travelling this was going to be a tough encounter. With Killarney recieving the kick off & immediately turning over the ball, newcomer Evan Smith, managed to snaffle a loose ball from the ensuing Douglas ruck to score under the posts all within thirty seconds, Cian Murphy converted. The training session during the week obviously gave good reward, as Killarney reppelled a much bigger pack, time & again, until the 25th minute when Douglas touched down between the posts, remarkably missing the conversion, Killarney lead 7-5 at half time.
Douglas had the luxury of a strong bench, and the game ebbed and flowed without any scores by either side, both sizing up the other. Douglas pressed and brought on a couple of big guns, and finally scored out wide ,in the 45th minute. Score 10-7 to Douglas. Killarney knew that they needed to score next, however Krystian Komosa was correctly binned for a high tackle – things were looking ominous. With a scrum on Killarneys 22` to Douglas they scored from a set play under the posts, leaving the score 17-7 with about 12 minutes on the clock. In spite of being a man down, Killarney rallied & raised their game and again Evan Smith scored out wide for his fourth try in three games, unfortunately the try was not converted, score 17-12 to Douglas. with 10 minutes remaining an uncharacteristic, high tackle saw Capatin Richard Wallace binned, Douglas must have felt that, they could hang on with time almost up, Krystian Komosa made amends for his earlier binning, and took a strong outside line, to score about ten metres in from touch, unfortunately the conversion was missed, leaving the final score 17 -17. Killarney now have played three games on the road, and have accrued 6 points out of a possible 12, hopefully enough to see a playoff place with two games in hand. Next weekend is a free weekend for a much desreved break. Training as usual on Thursday.
Our seniors took the long trip Bantry, for the next round of the Munster Junior League, full of confidence after the excellent display against Douglas at Aghadoe last Sunday week. Ger Moynihan’s charges travelled in the hope of securing vital points against the West Cork outfit who are struggling in the division this season so far. A good match ensued with Killarney getting out of the blocks quickest as Paudie Sheahan crossed the line for the visitors first try. Cha Johnson followed with a try of his own and Paudie added to his tally with 2 penalties and 1 conversion on the day. A great result for the lads as they prepare to take on fellow Martin O’Sullivan Cup finalists next weekend at Aghadoe. This should be a great game as the lads look to continue the good form of late. With Killarney now up to 4th in the division, and the lads playing some great rugby things are well and truly looking good for the club.